TCCF Junior Squash Festival has proven to be a big hit since the event started two years ago at the club and has since seen astonishing growth with the current edition attracting 71 players competing in several different categories.
Squash is a growing obsession among sports enthusiasts in Fujairah and the event saw fans come out in force to cheer the players.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi and Najib Salem, Secretary General of the UAE Squash Association graced the occasion.
Sheikh Ahmed presented an award of appreciation to Salem.
In the junior boys category, Abdulrahman (RAK) defeated Selim Wahdan in U-9, Zain Fathi (Abu Dhabi) beat Alden Fernandes (RAK) in U-11,
Adiv Gole (Flying Dav Squash Academy) downed Yasseen Bahr (Farah Momen Squash Academy) in U-13 while Mykyta Khlus (Flying Dav Squash Academy) outlasted Adiv Gole (Flying Dav Squash Academy) in U-15.
Aley Afifi (Farah Momen Squash Academy) brushed aside Eeshan Sawant (Flying Dav Squash Academy) in the U-17 final.
Omar Afifi (Farah Momen Squash Academy) defeated Aley Afifi (Farah Momen Squash Academy) to win the U-19 title.
In the newly added girls category, Joy Mario Rafik emerged winner in U-11 with a win over Mariam El Wakeel
Rufaida Fatima (RAK) beat Rodina Islam Abdel Wahab (Farah Momen Squash Academy) in U-15
Tia Farzad Billimoria (Flying Dav Squash Academy) beat Jana Al Ansary (Farah Momen Squash Academy) in U-19.
At the end of the TCCF Junior Squash Festival, Sheikh Ahmed and the Secretary General of the UAE Squash Association gave away the trophies to the winners.
Hania Reggi, acting general manager of TCCF, said: “The TCCF Junior and Senior competitions are popular showcases for squash talent and offer opportunities to earn significant national ranking points thanks to the support of the UAE Squash Association.”
Hania invited junior squash players from across the UAE to Tennis and Country Club Fujairah’s next tournament scheduled to take place in December 2022.
Jacques Harmse, Tournament Director, said: “With the growing number of participants and the variety of skill levels of players, there will be an increasing need for tournaments at various levels in the near future.
“This will boost the immense growth of squash in not only academies but also through our schools.”
Salem thanked the TCCF for their efforts in growing squash nationally.
Salem expressed gratitude to the parents, players, and coaches in his address for their dedication. He outlined the UAE Squash Association’s goal of having its athletes compete at the best level possible on the international stage.
“Squash tournaments held at the TCCF have been consistently successful in attracting the best young talent in the UAE and players from GCC.”
“We are lucky to have the top-notch resources, staff, and administration to stage events of this magnitude,” said Abdul Ghafour Behroozian, Chairman of TCCF.